Just why is this Maui beach so cool, directions and more...

Compared to all the other Maui beaches, just what did I find so cool about Mokule'ia Bay, also known as Slaughterhouse Beach? The scenery at this Kapalua Beach wasn't half bad for starters! When you get here, you'll be rewarded by a secluded little white sand Maui beach, surrounded by towering walls of rock and greenery. Just gorgeous!

But believe it or not, I started thinking this Kapalua beach was cool before I'd even seen it. It all started with looking down the 87 steps or so down a steep set of stairs carved into the land that led to the mysterious unknown. When you start off on this little trek, you have no idea where you'll end up, other than the fact that it will be somewhere pretty far down from your starting point! THAT was cool. Nope, this was no ordinary stroll from the parking lot to the beach!

Beach Activities at Mokule'ia Bay (Slaughterhouse Beach)

This is a protected marine preserve, so snorkeling in Maui can be fun here if the water is clear and the surf is calm - mornings will be your best bet for finding good conditions for snorkeling. Same with swimming - as long as the water isn't too rough, going for a dip here can be a great way to cool off!

This cute little Kapalua beach still has quite a bit of shade even at mid-afternoon. Although I haven't been here at all times of day, I suspect that simply due to the tall walls of earth surrounding the beach there is likely a fair bit of shade here most of the time.

However, if the sun is what you seek, it's best not to come first thing in the morning - wait for the afternoon to head over here so you can find your own patch of sunny warm sand like we did!

Tips

Because this Kapalua beach is a marine life conservation district, please don't take any "souvenirs" of sand, rock, coral or marine life with you.

There are no restrooms or other amenities on site. To keep the area in pristine condition for future visitors, be sure to bring back any garbage with you so that it can be properly disposed of later.

Directions to Mokule'ia Bay(Slaughterhouse Beach)

To get here, head north on the Honoapiilani Highway. Keep driving past the main Kapalua resort area. Once you pass Lower Honoapiilani Road (the turn-off for D. T. Fleming Beach), it's only about another minute before you'll see cars parked along the makai (ocean) side of the road in front of some chain link fencing. This is your stop! Park your car and walk over to the far end of the parking area where you'll see Mokule'ia Bay signage and a staircase leading down and away!

Nearby Attractions

Literally a minute or two further down the highway is one of the island's best known spots for snorkeling in Maui: Honolua Bay. Even if you don't intend to snorkel here, believe me, the views alone make the walk down to the bay well worth it!